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Hornito and Sauza Tequila's Cinco De Mayo Event

Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 by Gastro World

Until Hornitos and Sauza tequila invited me to participate in their Cinco De Mayo event ($20 including five drink tickets and all the food), I had limited knowledge on the May 5^th celebration other than it being a festive day filled with sombreros, tacos and tequila – a party day not unlike St. Patrick’s!

Aside from the parties, it’s seen as a day for participants to embrace the Mexican culture and the delights they’ve gifted the world. It wasn’t until educating myself on Wikipedia about Cinco De Mayo’s significance that I discovered it’s really a holiday to commemorate the day General Ignacio Zaragoza lead the Mexican army to win the Battle of Puebla. The army was poorly equipped to fight against French forces, so when they experienced victory, the day was used to symbolize unity and perseverance of the underdog. What a great representation!

Since the LCBO led event was my first time observing Cinco De Mayo I didn’t know what to expect, other than being warned there’d be PLENTY of tequila! We arrived early and were treated to delicious cocktails including a guided DIY citrusy Paloma and a scrumptious professionally created mango margarita.

The sit down Hornitos tequila tasting was eye opening: I sampled the mixer friendly Plata, sipping quality Reposado and the Black Barrel, which was oaky and fragrant – if you enjoy Scotch or whiskey this is the tequila with the peatiness you’d enjoy.

Luckily, Valdez was also preparing a number of Latin eats to balance the alcohol. The empanadas were a highlight, its crispy fluffy corn meal crust stuffed with plenty of spiced minced beef studded with potato.

On every table were bowls of chips with creamy guacamole and salsa, the typical tortilla chips expanded to include crispy plantain, yucca, taro, corn and potato varieties.

Valdez: chips, guacamole, salsa, mango margaritas

It was difficult, but we nabbed the fragrant seared beef skewers we saw circulating the restaurant. It was worth loitering around the open kitchen, the sticks of meat flavourful, piping hot and juicy.

There were other eats: messy spicy hot chicken wings in a slightly sweet BBQ sauce and salty chorizo tacos topped with peppers, onions, goat cheese and chipotle mayo. All doing their magic to keep the tequila at bay.

Little did I know this event would be my last chance to eat at Valdez’s starter restaurant. Shortly after the event, the 606 King West location was shuttered as the restaurant moves to a larger four-floor space down the block. The food was good, I could definitely be convinced to return.

At the end of the evening, participants left with a loot bag filled with Paloma mix (that I swiftly used that weekend), a comfy Hornitos skull t-shirt, cool sphere ice cube molds, and a recipe booklet, all in a trusty LCBO bottle separating carrier bag.

Thank you Hornitos and Sauza for introducing me the holiday’s traditions. Until next year, Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Disclaimer: I attended the event on a complimentary basis. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will provide an honest opinion.

How To Find Them

Location: Valdez in Toronto, Canada
Address: 606 King Street West

Website: http://valdezrestaurant.com/

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Shinobu Revisited (Toronto)

Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2016 by Gastro World

Finding a Japanese restaurant that serves reasonably priced sushi but is also feels authentic makes me happy. The fact that Shinobu is relatively close to my house makes things even better! I love introducing people to the place, so when two friends had a hankering for sushi, the small cozy restaurant came to mind.

Having had a great experience previously with their maki rolls, they had to be ordered again: you can read all about the double shrimp cannon ($9.80) and volcano rainbow roll ($10.90) in my first dinner post about Shinobu.

Another favourite that’ll have me coming back is the hotate dream roll ($10.50), a spicy salmon roll covered with thinly sliced scallop sushi and salmon roe. If sushi rolls could be a pillowy cloud the hotate is close, the scallop soft and creamy then topped with popping salmon roe and micro greens for interest.

Plenty of avocado was layered over the green dragon ($9.90), the roll filled with BBQ eel and cucumber for an umami filled crunch. Their spicy tuna ($6.90) is the type I enjoy, where the fish isn’t pulverized instead left in small cubes and tossed with spicy mayonnaise.

Yet, you should branch out and try their izakaya eats, which were also impressive. The takoyaki ($6.90) is five soft glutinous mashed potato like balls of dough, fried so there’s a crispy coating and each containing a piece of grilled octopus. It’s one of the better versions in the city.

The nasu dengaku ($6.90) was surprisingly delicious despite being a relatively simple dish. A Japanese eggplant is lightly fried, slit open and filled with a rich sweet dengaku miso sauce; since the longer Asian eggplant is not as seedy, it combines to become a creamy texture.

Strangely, the green tea cheesecake ($5.50) is more ice cream than cake - the first thing you see is the large sphere of black sesame ice cream, on the side is the thinnest slice of cake I’ve seen, really just a garnish. The cake itself is pretty good, velvety with a deep matcha flavour, too bad it becomes lost in the ice cream.

Black sesame ice cream with green tea cheesecake

Oh well, it’s a small miss compared to all the hits at the restaurant. There’s no doubt I’ll be returning and welcome you to try this great find in the neighbourhood.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10

How To Find Them

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 3403 Yonge Street

Website: http://www.shinobu.ca/

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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back

6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return

7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return

8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend

9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend

10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

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Shinobu for delivery

Markham residents, Diana's Oyster Bar & Grill has a 2nd location to make your seafood dreams come true!

Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2016 by Gastro World

Diana’s Seafood in Scarborough has been an institution offering fresh seafood at low prices. About a decade ago, the seafood purveyor expanded to include a restaurant near the site and just this year a second Diana’s Oyster Bar and Grill has been added to the delight of Markham residents.

Fresh seafood but cheap? Seems like an oxymoron given low prices normally implies items that are frozen and defrosted. Diana’s is able achieve to achieve both as they also have a wholesale and retail arm where they purchase in bulk and essentially cut out the middle person; in fact, they are the supplier to many other Toronto hotels and restaurants.

Oyster lovers rejoice, they have a huge selection that changes with the seasons. At the new Markham location, all are prominently displayed on the oyster bar in the middle, ready to be freshly shucked and slurped down.

For those who don’t like the raw mollusks, Diana’s has plenty of cooked options - I was stuffed to the gills from all the great eats sampled at their grand opening party. The sole oyster I tried was a baked version where it had just been cooked through and topped with bacon pieces. With no other seasoning but the natural saltiness of the oyster’s juices, it was enough.

The lobster slider was fantastic, chunks of sweet lobster just moistened slightly with a light citrusy mayo on a toasted brioche bun with crunchy lettuce. Move over lobster rolls, I could easily eat three of these any day!

Of course Diana also served the fried appetizer favourites: calamari and crab cakes. The later were crispy nuggets of predominantly crab meat with finely chopped vegetables studded throughout. Talk about all meat and no filler.

As the summer months grace the city, the cool salmon or tuna tartare is refreshing – gem-sized cubes of fish tossed in sesame oil and soy.

Or slices of their lovely house-smoked fish may be in order. I’ve never been a fan of smoked salmon but it wasn’t overly oaky at Diana’s and the white fish version had a great creamy texture that may have converted me.

There’s also the “Grill” side of the restaurant, which I’ve been advised creates some of their best-selling dishes. The seafood mixed grill composed of salmon, shrimp and scallops is popular; at the party I had a taste of the juicy medium-done grilled salmon and can see why it satisfies. And they’re not all about seafood, there’s also a Black Angus striploin that’s popular well-liked too.

Honestly, everything consumed at their grand opening event was delicious leaving me wanting more. Despite being stuffed, the heavenly smelling salmon slider called to me for one last (alright maybe three) bite. The patty was made from large chunks of salmon combined with vegetables and spices.

Oh and there really is a Diana: a small quiet Greek women who has turned their initial business into a budding empire. Congratulations Diana on the second location and for bringing the reasonably priced fresh seafood to those living north of Steeles Avenue!

How To Find Them

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address:

Website: http://dianasoysterbar.com/

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Simply Snacking: Toronto Popcorn Company's Tuxedo Popcorn

Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 by Gastro World

Popcorn is the go-to food at for movies and a beloved snack, but let’s face it, it wasn’t exciting and sexy. However, after seeing a popcorn station set up at a friend’s bridal shower and guests reacting to it, there was certainly excitement in the room … oh the will power I exhibited from not devouring handfuls of every single flavour.

Toronto Popcorn Company is making it delightful to snack on popcorn again with flavours segregated into savoury, sweet, premium (includes toppings) and even gluten free options. After trying a bunch of them at my friend’s party, the one that has me going back for more is the Tuxedo: caramel popcorn drizzled with milk, white and dark chocolate... yum!

I know, it sounds like a lot of sugary ingredients piled on top of each other, but the Toronto Popcorn Company shows restraint. The caramel popcorn base has a butterscotch taste and is sweet but the various chocolates aren’t so everything balances out.

Kernels of delight drizzled with chocolate? I don’t know about you, but I think it’s hot.

NEXT: Nature's Path Love Crunch and Qi'a Superfood Snack Bar

MORE: Back to Simply Snacking

How To Find Them

Website: http://torontopopcorncompany.com/

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog

Kobi Korean BBQ (Thornhill)

Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2016 by Gastro World

The smell of searing meat mixed with the faint caramelizing marinades gets me salivating. It’s agony having to wait for a table while visiting a Korean BBQ establishment, seeing the hot cast iron plates doing their duty and not enjoying the fruits of their labour. It’s difficult, but I try not to stare too much at fellow diners, my longing eyes likely making their meals uncomfortable.

If you don’t want to experience all this, call ahead to Kobi Korean BBQ to get a reservation. It’s packed during the weekends and even with a reservation it can be another 15-30 minute wait.

Also, go with at least four people. For the larger dishes, tables need to place at least two orders of each - although you’re able to mix-and-match amongst the options. For example, for their famed fondue BBQ platter, you can order the spicy chicken and cheese ($18.99) and the spicy squid and cheese ($19.99), they’ll get combined into a larger dish. The end product is predominantly onions, the chicken and squid relatively sparse, but everything is mixed into a wonderful flavourful sweet and spicy sauce.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: chicken, squid and cheese

If you run out of cheese an additional order ($5.99), the equivalent of two cups (and you can tell as it’s served in a measuring cup), is available to add to the plate. With the excess onions I suggest you combine them with a couple of bowls of rice, cheese, kimchi and garlic into the hot plate and make your own fried rice. We also threw in some seared pork belly and it was fantastic!

The seafood pancake with garlic chives ($6.99) is one of the better ones I’ve had with tons of ingredients and a sweet soy on the side. As you’ll notice, there is no picture and this is largely due to the dishes coming out too quickly. With a third of the table already occupied by the BBQ hot plate and another third consumed by all the utensils and small dishes there’s no room for food. We literally had to throw the beef onto the hot plate and divvy up the pancake onto our plates to keep things flowing.

Since the hot plate utilizes so much real estate, it’d be a shame not to try some of their BBQ items (also a minimum of two items but can be combined). The marinated beef ribs ($24.99) was delicious, a satisfying thickness, tender and well flavoured.

Meanwhile, while ordering the pork belly our waitress asked if we’d prefer a thick or thin cut. Answering “thick” she looked at us dubiously and suggested we switch to the thin instead. Who am I to argue against experience? So, the thinly sliced pork belly ($15.99) was placed instead. Not having tried the thicker cut, I really can’t see why it wouldn’t have suited us, but the thin ones ended up being fine – cooking quickly and there were more slices to go around – a quarter which ended up in the make-your-own fried rice.

Accompanying the larger dishes were also a host of complimentary items:

Various banchan of spicy napa cabbage kimchi, turnip kimchi, pickled cucumbers, a sad portion of sesame oil laced green beans, and peanuts.
A bowl of steamed egg (seen in the cover photo). As always so delicious that I could have easily consumed the whole thing myself.
A bowl of spicy bean tofu soup placed in the middle of the cast iron plate so that it’s kept hot and bubbling the entire time.
Leafs of romaine lettuce, a napa and green onion slaw, thinly sliced raw red onions, slices of raw jalapeno, and garlic to wrap the BBQ meats into.

Despite the initial panic when all the food arrived and difficulties in capturing staff attention to get a refill of depleting condiments, we had a jovial and enjoyable dinner. The tightly packed table configuration does mean the circulation in the restaurant is poor and the dining room fills with smoke. If this bothers you and the weather is nice, ask to be seated outside where the view of the parking lot may not be the best but at least you won’t reek of cooked meat afterwards.

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10

How To Find Them

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 100 Steeles Avenue West

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back

6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return

7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return

8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend

9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend

10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

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CLOSED: Chabrol (Toronto)

Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2016 by Gastro World

Ruth Reichl writes in Garlic and Sapphires, “Restaurants free us from mundane reality; that is part of their charm. When you walk through the door, you are entering neutral territory where you are free to be whoever you choose for the duration of the meal.” Dining at Chabrol provides this illusion, suddenly I’m transported to Southern France, stepping into a quaint café, sipping wine as I joke around with a handsome tattooed French man.

The smell of melting butter and cooking shellfish is intoxicating, I was marveled by Chef Penfold’s ability to produce such delicious creations from two induction burners that makes my four top range at home look palatial.

Although the cool riesling poached foie gras ($19) had a silky smooth consistency that simply glided across the tongue, its slightly gamey after taste threw me off. I tried to mute it by using the refreshing black currant sauce smeared on the plate.

Baked in parchment paper, the papillote of whitefish ($29) steams in its own juices and leeks infuse their aromatic essence into it. Cooked to perfection, the light fish was flaky and moist. The fish was accompanied with sea asparagus (like thinner French beans) and swiss chard before being topped off with vermouth beurre blanc at the table.

The ballotine of chicken ($29) was the sole disappointing dish. To be fair, my dinner companions enjoyed it and perhaps it’s because I tasted the chicken last and received an end piece but found the meat dry and tasteless. Trying to revive the chicken by dipping it into the vibrant green watercress soubise was no help as my taste buds have a heightened sense for bitter flavours. At least the roasted fennel and apple were good, but these sides can hardly save an entire dish.

All can be forgotten as Chabrol’s ttoro ($29), a bouillabaisse from Southern France, is simply sublime. The rich seafood broth is infused with green peppers, garlic and such a well-rounded feel from saffron. As the soup is dispensed at the table, the fragrance is so tantalizing that it took immense self-control to not dig in while the pouring continued. Of course, the seafood was well executed: the fish flaky, the mussels juicy and shrimps sweet.

Best yet, with the dish, the sommelier gave us a lesson as to what Chabrol means: essentially adding a splash of wine to dilute the remaining broth, bringing the bowl to your lips and finishing everything off straight from the bowl. We didn’t gulp the remnants, instead using it to dunk more of the great in-house baked crusty bread into. Forget letting the alcohol burn off, the remaining concoction tastes of wine, a dish straddling between food and drink.

Do yourself a favour and get an order of the potato gratin ($12); not only does it smell amazing, the taste rendered me speechless. The thinly sliced potatoes are covered with a rich cantal cheese mixture (a semi-hard cheese that’s similar to aged cheddar) and thyme. Getting an order of this with a side salad would make for a perfect meal in itself.

After hearing so much about Chabrol’s apple tarte ($13), I couldn’t leave without trying it. Chef Penfold painstakingly stands over a double boiler whisking together eggs, sugar and calvados (an apple brandy produced in Normandy) until it becomes a smooth luscious sabayon. Indeed, it takes a while, but it’s well worth the wait and if you’re in a rush just order the dessert before the mains are complete.

The large disc of puff pastry is airy and crisp; despite the strong buttery essence it wasn’t greasy. Ample amounts of paper-thin apples rests on top and the liberal dusting of sugar sweetens it just enough. It’s a fantastic dessert, the best I’ve had over the last year.

Normally, I’d prefer sitting at a table, but gathering around the bar makes for such a jovial atmosphere. Where else can you joke with the handsome sommelier and converse with other diners? Even Niall McCotter, co-owner of the restaurant, swung by a few times to chat with us. He informed us that in the summer Chabrol will be expanding outdoors with an additional 20 seats, an outdoor kitchen and a champagne cart (which may or may not be manned by McCotter himself).

Thank you Chabrol for the delightful dinner and for a couple of hours freeing me from the cold Toronto winter … instead transporting me into a warm and welcoming French café.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10

How To Find Them

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 90 Yorkville Avenue

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back

6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return

7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return

8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend

9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend

10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

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Have You Heard? Maple Leaf Tavern is Opened!

Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2016 by Gastro World

Guest Post: Written and photos taken by Parv of Parv.ca

I’m a big fan of historic venues. There’s something special about being in an establishment that has withstood the test of time. Oh, if only the walls could speak, what colourful stories they would tell.

Touted as one of the oldest bars in Toronto, the recently-renovated Maple Leaf Tavern (MLT) is one of these fascinating spaces.

Built in 1910, this Leslieville dive bar has been given new life and reborn as a gastropub by the owners of Pickering’s Port Restaurant. MLT also boasts three popular city chefs at the helm – Executive Chef Jesse Vallins (one of only a few Canadians who is certified as both a sommelier and a cicerone) is joined by co-chefs du cuisine Binhan Nguyen and Jonny O’Callaghan.

While the original space underwent substantial structural renovation, the owner’s goal was to retain a classic and timeless tavern feel, reminiscent of MLT’s thriving heyday. The tavern has achieved just that, creating a homely space that’s perfect for a meal with friends, or post-work drinks with your buddies.

At the pre-launch media event, guests freely flowed through all three dining areas: the well-lit main dining room, the more intimate (read: darkly lit) pub area with its cosier booths, or the private dining area and chef’s table where you can experience all the action in the open kitchen.

I’m not sure if it was the friendly bartender blending a Hotel Nacional cocktail, or me watching the Reuben sausages being carefully turned on the wood-burning grill, but I’m finding this resurrected tavern incredibly warm, rustic and very comfortable. And while I was half-expecting just beers and wines on the bar list, MLT offered up a selection of interesting cocktails that paired nicely with the appetizers.

The main highlight (well, for me at least) were the sliders – amazingly juicy mini patties of striploin beef served on soft brioche buns. As I watched the chefs lovingly prepare each slider, I gazed longingly, trying to imagine what that first bite may taste like. I’m guessing Chef Vallins caught my yearning stare as he grabbed two sliders and popped them on a plate for my friend and I to enjoy…much to the envy of others.

Well-played, Chef, well-played.

But that was exactly the kind of attention and passion that the MLT crew put not only into their service, but also the food. Classic pub fare has been beautifully transformed into delectable creations, clearly made with a lot of heart and soul. The food is…in one word…homely.

While the east end of Toronto is not known for its upscale dining options, I have a good feeling that the Maple Leaf Tavern will prove to be one of those places that will really revitalize the neighbourhood and the community.

How To Find Them

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 955 Gerrard Street East

Website: http://mapleleaftavern.ca/

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Navigation

Hornito and Sauza Tequila's Cinco De Mayo Event

Shinobu Revisited (Toronto)

Markham residents, Diana's Oyster Bar & Grill has a 2nd location to make your seafood dreams come true!

Simply Snacking: Toronto Popcorn Company's Tuxedo Popcorn

Kobi Korean BBQ (Thornhill)

CLOSED: Chabrol (Toronto)

Have You Heard? Maple Leaf Tavern is Opened!

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